This is a Christmas reflection in an attempt to separate fact from fiction. Last year I became acutely aware how much myth has crept into church presentations of the story. I felt that if we allow ourselves to stray beyond the text of scripture then our story of the birth of Christ might have more in common with stories of Santa than me might want.
Of course this could be "grumpy old man" syndrome, but its isn't just that we sanitize the story each year; we really include non-biblical imagery and story aspects. In a story so important surely this should not be so. At a time when, according to a poll this Christmas, many do not believe the biblical story of the birth of Christ, surely we owe it to the world (and our congregations) to tell it as it is.
Let's start with that donkey. Where did he come from? No reference to him in the scriptures. The journey from Nazareth could be around 80 miles (130 km) and the route was difficult and the road would have been poor. Mary is heavily pregnant. I'm not sure that riding a donkey would have been the best option and a cart would have been an alternative. Anyway, since the donkey does not get a mention in scripture let's stop putting him into our version.
It would have taken several days and it looks as if Mary and Joseph arrived at Bethlehem well after others had got there, as we get the "no room at the inn" aspect. So in nativity plays a little boy in a brown dressing gown and a tea towel round his head confronts numerous pub landlords only to be repeatedly told that there is "no room". Now while we do know that some kind of hospitality facility existed (Luke tells us about that in the story of the Good Samaritan) it is unlikely that these were plentiful or that they had much in common either with English pubs or hotels. But the scripture text has much more to tell us.
The only reference to the situation where Jesus was born comes from Luke. Chapter 2 verse 7 tells us that Jesus was laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn. Later Luke tells us that when the shepherds visit they found Jesus lying in a manger.We'll come back to the manger in a moment but the only reference to an inn is that one brief comment in chapter 2. The word in the New Testament Greek is kataluma and Luke uses this word twice in his gospel and Mark uses it once. It is not found in John or Matthew. Apart from this one occasion in Luke 2 the other occasions translate it as guestchamber (AV) - the place where the last supper was held. Since both Mary and Joseph hailed from Bethlehem it would not be unreasonable to suppose that they might have made a beeline for a relatives house, especially in her condition.
Possibly also of significance is that when Luke tells the story of the Good Samaritan the man who fell among thieves is taken not to a kataluma but to a pandocheion. So in the Greek text in which the gospel was originally written Luke makes a distinction. But the translators of the King James Bible exceptionally wrote "inn". This anomaly has also led to the myth of a landlord providing a stable round the back.
Is there evidence for a stable? Early Christian tradition suggests a cave, but what does the Bible tell us? Nothing! The only evidence is a "manger". This was a rack used for holding hay and may well have been wall-mounted as is common around the world today. It certainly could not have been anything like the twee thing you see on Christmas cards and all too often in our churches! What animals might eat from a manger? Certainly not sheep. Pigs would have also been out of the question. It would have to be larger animals such as donkeys or oxen, and a larger wall mounted manger would therefore have been more appropriate.
So that pretty wooden stable and the pretty little trough are very unlikely. In many houses in that part of the world it would not have been uncommon then (and indeed it is not now in rural areas) to live upstairs above an area where animals might be kept at times and where hay and wheat might have been stored. My guess is that upstairs guest room was already bursting at the seems and they ended up downstairs.
Moving on we read about the visit of the shepherds who had heard the news from an angel. I love this part of the story. These men (socially insignificant) are living out in the fields and were keeping an eye on their sheep when an angel appears and the glory of the Lord shines around them. Then a "heavenly host" appears speaking words of praise to God. No reference here to creatures with wings suspended in mid air and singing!
You might have thought that this experience was something worth telling. "Hey you'll never guess but we have just been visited by angels"! But instead it is the message they received that impacts them so they go to check it out as fast as they can. Here we get another glimpse into the birthplace of Jesus. But wait a minute they went in a hurry the scripture said so they certainly would not have travelled with sheep as that can take ages! So no sheep and no reference to the presence of angels, oxen, asses or robins then! No reference here to a star a few feet over a wooden stable either.
It is Matthew who tells us about the Magi. There is no reference to three "kings" and even calling them "wise men" might not be exactly helpful. They were some kind of astrologers but nowhere does it say how many came on that journey. We know from the text that there were at least two of them. The fact that there were three kinds of gifts does not necessarily imply three of them. So the picture of three kings in their crowns each holding a distinctly different gift is not part of the textual account either!
It is worth noting that the Magi found Jesus and Mary in a "house" and not that wooden stable thing on the Christmas card. Could it be that some relatives have already gone home and they had at last been able to move upstairs? Of course, Mary might still have been in the downstairs part of the house as that would also fit the text, but then rule out completely the cave as well as a stable.
The exact timing of this visit is a mystery. We can assume that it would have been after Mary and Joseph had taken Jesus to the temple to "present him to the Lord" and make a sacrifice. So this would have been at least 40 days after the birth as Mary was ceremonially unclean until that time.
The fact that Herod had children under two years old killed does not necessarily imply that the Magi arrived two years after the birth, of course.
So let's take stock. We've lost that donkey and assorted animals. We have no chain of inns, we have no twee little trough. We do have angels but not necessarily with wings or suspended from the sky. We have no kings just an unknown number of astrologers coming to a house.
Much more important is that when we strip away all the unbiblical Christmas card images we are left as the shepherds were with the heart of the story. Remember what excited them was not being visited by angels but what they had been told. Luke tells us that after they had seen the evidence for themselves what they told others was what they had been told: "A Saviour has been born to you - Christ the Lord".
Let's not lose sight of the real value of the present within the wrapping paper.
Wednesday 24 December 2008
Don't Justs Stand There! Pray Something!
Like most people I occasionally have strange dreams that I cannot associate with anything that has been going on in my mind during the day. Today I awoke following one of these dreams and as I sought to understand it it has stimulated prayer.
In the dream I found myself making a pastoral visit to a young man who i found stuck in bed, physically incapacitated (apparently the consequence of a serious injury), and in a room not large enough to swing that proverbial cat. Also with him was a female care worker or therapist of some kind. With me was a young assistant learning to do pastoral visiting.
As we entered this space my associate greeted the young man heartily in an unnaturally loud voice. This immediately provoked a negative response and all his anger and frustration just boiled over. I tried to smooth the situation over by pointing out that often people feel a little insecure and uncertain on such occasions and, without thinking, raise their voices as if this will somehow improve the communication. But of course the man angrily pointed out that he wasn't deaf it was his ***** legs that wouldn't work!
He was so angry and frustrated that my gentle words and proffered hand were totally ignored. As I stood there looking at him, and the embarrassed and helpless look on the face of the care worker, I felt my own sense of helplessness in the situation. My sympathetic words and offered handshake were as equally useless as my associate's nervous greeting that had sparked off this scene.
As the man grew quiet I tried to respond to my new awareness of just how frustrated and angry this young man was by his incapacity. I sensed that boredom was a factor so I inquired whether they had any board games such as monopoly, adding quickly that I was only trying to understand the problem and not just offering stupid suggestions. The care worker assured me that they had plenty of such resources but that was not what was really needed.
It was then that I awoke with my brain still trying to come up with a solution that would ease that anger and frustration. As my consciousness increased I then began to reflect on the dream and to ponder whether there was any wider relevance or meaning to it. What came into my mind next really surprised me, for I found myself suddenly praying for Gordon Brown, our Prime Minister!
Here is a man whose expectations have been frustrated by events largely beyond his control that have incapacitated him. There is no obvious sure solution to his situation, and various financial and fiscal strategies so far suggested and implemented are about as helpful (at least at present) as a game of monopoly would be for the frustrated young man in my dream.
In my dream my reinforced understanding of the frustration and anger resulting from the incident that had rendered the man helpless and hopeless also left me aware that I had nothing that I could offer that was of myself. The only thing that I could do was offer prayers from a heart of faith that believed that God had the wisdom and the power to actually do something helpful.
So it was that I found myself praying for the Prime Minister and his government caught up in a global financial crisis, the impact of which is seriously affecting the lives of millions of people already and shaking whole political and economic systems in the world. I share this experience with anyone who reads this blog who, like me, has a relationship with God and knows the efficacy of prayer. At a time when we have no wisdom or power to change the situation that afflicts the world and incapacitates those in leadership let us use the resources available to us and pray. For the one who could really get us out of the mess is God himself and we really need that help.
In the dream I found myself making a pastoral visit to a young man who i found stuck in bed, physically incapacitated (apparently the consequence of a serious injury), and in a room not large enough to swing that proverbial cat. Also with him was a female care worker or therapist of some kind. With me was a young assistant learning to do pastoral visiting.
As we entered this space my associate greeted the young man heartily in an unnaturally loud voice. This immediately provoked a negative response and all his anger and frustration just boiled over. I tried to smooth the situation over by pointing out that often people feel a little insecure and uncertain on such occasions and, without thinking, raise their voices as if this will somehow improve the communication. But of course the man angrily pointed out that he wasn't deaf it was his ***** legs that wouldn't work!
He was so angry and frustrated that my gentle words and proffered hand were totally ignored. As I stood there looking at him, and the embarrassed and helpless look on the face of the care worker, I felt my own sense of helplessness in the situation. My sympathetic words and offered handshake were as equally useless as my associate's nervous greeting that had sparked off this scene.
As the man grew quiet I tried to respond to my new awareness of just how frustrated and angry this young man was by his incapacity. I sensed that boredom was a factor so I inquired whether they had any board games such as monopoly, adding quickly that I was only trying to understand the problem and not just offering stupid suggestions. The care worker assured me that they had plenty of such resources but that was not what was really needed.
It was then that I awoke with my brain still trying to come up with a solution that would ease that anger and frustration. As my consciousness increased I then began to reflect on the dream and to ponder whether there was any wider relevance or meaning to it. What came into my mind next really surprised me, for I found myself suddenly praying for Gordon Brown, our Prime Minister!
Here is a man whose expectations have been frustrated by events largely beyond his control that have incapacitated him. There is no obvious sure solution to his situation, and various financial and fiscal strategies so far suggested and implemented are about as helpful (at least at present) as a game of monopoly would be for the frustrated young man in my dream.
In my dream my reinforced understanding of the frustration and anger resulting from the incident that had rendered the man helpless and hopeless also left me aware that I had nothing that I could offer that was of myself. The only thing that I could do was offer prayers from a heart of faith that believed that God had the wisdom and the power to actually do something helpful.
So it was that I found myself praying for the Prime Minister and his government caught up in a global financial crisis, the impact of which is seriously affecting the lives of millions of people already and shaking whole political and economic systems in the world. I share this experience with anyone who reads this blog who, like me, has a relationship with God and knows the efficacy of prayer. At a time when we have no wisdom or power to change the situation that afflicts the world and incapacitates those in leadership let us use the resources available to us and pray. For the one who could really get us out of the mess is God himself and we really need that help.
Saturday 20 December 2008
Getting out of debt
There must be many people struggling with debt at the present who would find part of the book of Nehemiah (Old Testament of the Bible) uncannily relevant. The passage demonstrates how easy it is for debt to mount up and the need for fair and just solutions. Do read on...
The story of Nehemiah focuses on the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem many years after the people had been conquered by the Babylonians and most taken into exile. This task was not only of practical value, it was also highly symbolic. Nehemiah's single-minded approach to this task for which he appears not to possess any natural ability is exceptional. The whole work is accomplished in just 52 days by mobilising and inspiring a work force. Yet in the middle of the task Nehemiah appears to take time out to address a major social issue - debt.
It is possible that the initial cause of the problem was a famine that had affected the area, pushing up the cost of food. But as so many have found today, it is all too easy to be caught in a debt spiral. In order to purchase food many had mortgaged their homes and land. But the cost of food was not the only problem. There were also taxes that had to be paid to the Babylonian empire. The only solution was taking out loans and it appears that there were plenty of loan sharks around charging high rates of interest. When all else failed the only way in which the poor could keep going was essentially to sell themselves into bonded service - a form of slavery. So the rich got richer and the poor got steadily poorer.
The first thing that Nehemiah did about this was to point out the immorality of the situation, and to shame the exploiters into appropriate action. The second thing he did was to stop the exorbitant interest charging on loans. The third thing he did was to take fiscal action and he immediately stopped claiming income to which he was entitled as the local governor. All of that would have been good but he went one stage further and opened up his home as a place of hospitality for others - a kind of early soup kitchen, only better!
When people get into financial difficulties they need help to get out of the mess, not help to get deeper into it. So I am encouraged by the many programmes that Christians and churches are engaging with in order to help those struggling with debt and money supply problems. Two are worth specific mention. They are "Christians Against Poverty" (www.capuk.org) and Credit Unions (www.abcul.org).
Credit Unions are not exclusively Christian but it is a movement with its roots in the Christian churches and many churches are involved. These are a source of well managed loans for people who would have difficulty borrowing from elsewhere and could become victims of loan sharks. They are properly managed and supervised by the FSA. Interest rates are charged but these are lower than elsewhere. Christians are encouraged to become savers with their local Credit Union. You can still earn some interest but know that you are helping others. Local Credit Unions often also welcome volunteers from churches.
Christians Against Poverty will provide immediate help for people already in trouble. They can help in a number of ways to stop the debts from spiralling and help people to manage their own way out of difficulty. Branches of CAP can be found all over the country run through local churches.
Jesus is in the business of setting people free, and that is just what he would want his people to do too. Both CAP and the CUs have responsible programmes for doing just that and every Christian could do something with either or both to make a real difference to someone today like those we read about in Nehemiah chapter 5. Whatever other priorities we may have (just as Nehemiah had) there are some issues that cannot be ignored.
The story of Nehemiah focuses on the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem many years after the people had been conquered by the Babylonians and most taken into exile. This task was not only of practical value, it was also highly symbolic. Nehemiah's single-minded approach to this task for which he appears not to possess any natural ability is exceptional. The whole work is accomplished in just 52 days by mobilising and inspiring a work force. Yet in the middle of the task Nehemiah appears to take time out to address a major social issue - debt.
It is possible that the initial cause of the problem was a famine that had affected the area, pushing up the cost of food. But as so many have found today, it is all too easy to be caught in a debt spiral. In order to purchase food many had mortgaged their homes and land. But the cost of food was not the only problem. There were also taxes that had to be paid to the Babylonian empire. The only solution was taking out loans and it appears that there were plenty of loan sharks around charging high rates of interest. When all else failed the only way in which the poor could keep going was essentially to sell themselves into bonded service - a form of slavery. So the rich got richer and the poor got steadily poorer.
The first thing that Nehemiah did about this was to point out the immorality of the situation, and to shame the exploiters into appropriate action. The second thing he did was to stop the exorbitant interest charging on loans. The third thing he did was to take fiscal action and he immediately stopped claiming income to which he was entitled as the local governor. All of that would have been good but he went one stage further and opened up his home as a place of hospitality for others - a kind of early soup kitchen, only better!
When people get into financial difficulties they need help to get out of the mess, not help to get deeper into it. So I am encouraged by the many programmes that Christians and churches are engaging with in order to help those struggling with debt and money supply problems. Two are worth specific mention. They are "Christians Against Poverty" (www.capuk.org) and Credit Unions (www.abcul.org).
Credit Unions are not exclusively Christian but it is a movement with its roots in the Christian churches and many churches are involved. These are a source of well managed loans for people who would have difficulty borrowing from elsewhere and could become victims of loan sharks. They are properly managed and supervised by the FSA. Interest rates are charged but these are lower than elsewhere. Christians are encouraged to become savers with their local Credit Union. You can still earn some interest but know that you are helping others. Local Credit Unions often also welcome volunteers from churches.
Christians Against Poverty will provide immediate help for people already in trouble. They can help in a number of ways to stop the debts from spiralling and help people to manage their own way out of difficulty. Branches of CAP can be found all over the country run through local churches.
Jesus is in the business of setting people free, and that is just what he would want his people to do too. Both CAP and the CUs have responsible programmes for doing just that and every Christian could do something with either or both to make a real difference to someone today like those we read about in Nehemiah chapter 5. Whatever other priorities we may have (just as Nehemiah had) there are some issues that cannot be ignored.
Monday 1 December 2008
Why tell three stories when one would do?
No one could argue against the fact that Jesus was a great story teller. But he was unlikely to waste words. Why then did he tell three almost identical stories in quick succession to make a single point? Read on for my reflections on this.
The three stories I refer to are all recorded in Luke 15. Each is about something that was lost but later found, followed by much celebration. The first is about a sheep that has strayed (part of a flock of 100). The shepherd leaves the 99 in safety and goes of searching until he finds the one that was lost. The second story is about a coin that was lost. Bible commentators suggest that this might have been an ornament with important sentimental vale. Again a thorough search ensues until it is found. The third story is about a son who cannot wait for his father to die so he could inherit riches, so he persuades his father to give him the money now. When the money, the "friends" and the fun run out he eventually comes to his senses and realising his stupidity and immoral actions he returns to find his father looking at for him. The father runs out to meet him long before he gets back home.
All three stories contain much that is the same except the cause of the "lostness". The coin had done nothing and was a victim of other causes. The sheep seems to have just strayed. The son deliberately chose the wrong path. The reason for the stories was the criticism of the self-righteous religious leaders who condemned Jesus because he kept company with people of bad reputation - "sinners". In my previous posting I explained that there are three different concepts to Hebrew and Greek understanding of what sin is. The main concept is just a basic human inherited characteristic. No one other than Jesus has ever lived a perfect life. Like the coin our problem in many ways is the consequence of another's actions. But a second concept is waywardness - the tendency to stray off the right path like the sheep. The third concept is about a deliberate choice to commit sin - like the son.
It seems to me that Jesus is saying that God cares about us passionately whether we have strayed a little, deliberately chosen the wrong way, or just can't help being the way we are. He will never give up on any one of us until he can rejoice in what was lost being found. If you are not living in a dynamic fulfilling relationship with God that brings deep peace and lasting joy then I guess that must mean he's still looking for you. Do you want to be found?
The three stories I refer to are all recorded in Luke 15. Each is about something that was lost but later found, followed by much celebration. The first is about a sheep that has strayed (part of a flock of 100). The shepherd leaves the 99 in safety and goes of searching until he finds the one that was lost. The second story is about a coin that was lost. Bible commentators suggest that this might have been an ornament with important sentimental vale. Again a thorough search ensues until it is found. The third story is about a son who cannot wait for his father to die so he could inherit riches, so he persuades his father to give him the money now. When the money, the "friends" and the fun run out he eventually comes to his senses and realising his stupidity and immoral actions he returns to find his father looking at for him. The father runs out to meet him long before he gets back home.
All three stories contain much that is the same except the cause of the "lostness". The coin had done nothing and was a victim of other causes. The sheep seems to have just strayed. The son deliberately chose the wrong path. The reason for the stories was the criticism of the self-righteous religious leaders who condemned Jesus because he kept company with people of bad reputation - "sinners". In my previous posting I explained that there are three different concepts to Hebrew and Greek understanding of what sin is. The main concept is just a basic human inherited characteristic. No one other than Jesus has ever lived a perfect life. Like the coin our problem in many ways is the consequence of another's actions. But a second concept is waywardness - the tendency to stray off the right path like the sheep. The third concept is about a deliberate choice to commit sin - like the son.
It seems to me that Jesus is saying that God cares about us passionately whether we have strayed a little, deliberately chosen the wrong way, or just can't help being the way we are. He will never give up on any one of us until he can rejoice in what was lost being found. If you are not living in a dynamic fulfilling relationship with God that brings deep peace and lasting joy then I guess that must mean he's still looking for you. Do you want to be found?
Friday 28 November 2008
Problems with "sin"
Most of us would have no difficulty with condemning what has been done recently in Mumbai, or a man repeatedly raping his two daughters, also in the news recently. But the nature of wickedness is a mystery to many. Both are expressions of what the Bible calls sin but there is more to it than that.
For many the word "sin" is unhelpful as it often carries images of self-righteous people condemning others. Yet the same people would readily accept that a characteristic that all humankind seem to share is the ability to mess things up. None of us are perfect, and sin is simply one way of defining that.
In both Hebrew and Greek thinking (the two main languages of scripture) there are three different ways of understanding sin. I find them helpful and I also find the fact that I can illustrate them from the experience of every motorist in the UK is helpful too.
Our national speed limit is 70 mph. Most built up areas limit speed to 30 mph and there are various other limits. Despite careful searching I have yet to find one driver who can honestly say that they have not exceeded the speed limit at some time. In fact many would say (in their defence) that you just can't help it sometimes. This introduces us to the main concept of sin which is simply a failure to meet an expected standard.
Sometimes the speed limit is exceeded almost accidentally. We might be aware that we have come into an area where the speed is limited to 30 or 40 mph, for example, but a lack of concentration has led to driving too fast. We have drifted over the limit unintentionally. This is what is meant by the Hebrew and Greek words that are translated as "iniquity". It means a tendency to go off track. We have trolleys in supermarkets that do that!
The third concept is usually translated as "transgression". Staying with the driving analogy this would be those occasions when we are in a hurry - perhaps because we are late. If we cannot see a police car, or a speed camera, and it seems safe to do so, we put our foot down and deliberately break the speed limit. Literally transgression is about crossing a line when we know that do so is wrong.
There was a time when I accepted as true the common comment that if everyone driving in London observed the speed limit everything would grind to a halt. But learning of someone who picked up several fines and seventeen points on her licence recently in a single day's driving in London has made me think again! It seems that rules are not flexible.
We know that the speed limits are set in law for the common good and the safety of all. I'm not sure that a policeman catching me speeding would be impressed by any argument that I might put forward suggesting that it is a matter of relativity rather than absolutes. But often I hear arguments that sin is a matter of relativity. "What if no one is hurt by what we do?" Of course we tend to be blind to the consequences of our sin on other people, on society in general, or even on our own personality.
Sooner or later anyone who persistently exceeds the speed limit will either get caught by the authorities or worse still might seriously hurt someone in an accident. The latter is much more likely to happen when we persistently "get away with it". You may have heard the story about the man who fell from a very tall building and was heard to say "So far so good" as he passed each floor on his way to the pavement.
I have got away with it on occasions and I recently wondered what my bank balance would look like if I voluntarily paid the equivalent of a fine for each occasion. Putting right the consequences of our moral sins is absolutely impossible, but the Divine Authority offers to wipe the record clean when we are truly sorry.
For many the word "sin" is unhelpful as it often carries images of self-righteous people condemning others. Yet the same people would readily accept that a characteristic that all humankind seem to share is the ability to mess things up. None of us are perfect, and sin is simply one way of defining that.
In both Hebrew and Greek thinking (the two main languages of scripture) there are three different ways of understanding sin. I find them helpful and I also find the fact that I can illustrate them from the experience of every motorist in the UK is helpful too.
Our national speed limit is 70 mph. Most built up areas limit speed to 30 mph and there are various other limits. Despite careful searching I have yet to find one driver who can honestly say that they have not exceeded the speed limit at some time. In fact many would say (in their defence) that you just can't help it sometimes. This introduces us to the main concept of sin which is simply a failure to meet an expected standard.
Sometimes the speed limit is exceeded almost accidentally. We might be aware that we have come into an area where the speed is limited to 30 or 40 mph, for example, but a lack of concentration has led to driving too fast. We have drifted over the limit unintentionally. This is what is meant by the Hebrew and Greek words that are translated as "iniquity". It means a tendency to go off track. We have trolleys in supermarkets that do that!
The third concept is usually translated as "transgression". Staying with the driving analogy this would be those occasions when we are in a hurry - perhaps because we are late. If we cannot see a police car, or a speed camera, and it seems safe to do so, we put our foot down and deliberately break the speed limit. Literally transgression is about crossing a line when we know that do so is wrong.
There was a time when I accepted as true the common comment that if everyone driving in London observed the speed limit everything would grind to a halt. But learning of someone who picked up several fines and seventeen points on her licence recently in a single day's driving in London has made me think again! It seems that rules are not flexible.
We know that the speed limits are set in law for the common good and the safety of all. I'm not sure that a policeman catching me speeding would be impressed by any argument that I might put forward suggesting that it is a matter of relativity rather than absolutes. But often I hear arguments that sin is a matter of relativity. "What if no one is hurt by what we do?" Of course we tend to be blind to the consequences of our sin on other people, on society in general, or even on our own personality.
Sooner or later anyone who persistently exceeds the speed limit will either get caught by the authorities or worse still might seriously hurt someone in an accident. The latter is much more likely to happen when we persistently "get away with it". You may have heard the story about the man who fell from a very tall building and was heard to say "So far so good" as he passed each floor on his way to the pavement.
I have got away with it on occasions and I recently wondered what my bank balance would look like if I voluntarily paid the equivalent of a fine for each occasion. Putting right the consequences of our moral sins is absolutely impossible, but the Divine Authority offers to wipe the record clean when we are truly sorry.
Monday 17 November 2008
Saying Sorry
Over recent days in the UK we have been deeply affected by the death of a very young child known simply as "Baby P". Appalled by what we have seen and heard we have speculated (and some have pronounced) on who is to blame beyond those that battered this poor child. It seems that the system or those working the system failed. How could any child, having been seen sixty times by officials not have been taken into care?
We can only hope that the enquiry will explain the failure and that appropriate steps will be taken. Social workers have been quick to blame overwork and bureaucracy that prevents in depth meetings with clients. Senior officials have defended themselves with statements such as "doing everything by the book". Those within the system must feel threatened as public concern has been expressed so strongly.
Possibly fear of litigation or the political fallout may also contribute to the apparent clamour of "It wasn't my fault!"
But this current denial of responsibility is so typical of one of our societal problems today: the inability to say "sorry, it was my fault". Tragically, some of the hurting people I find myself counselling would be able to move on with their life if only there was a greater readiness on the part of the abusers to say sorry. The truth and justice experience in South Africa provides an encouraging model. Acceptance of responsibility enables the blessings of forgiveness that are otherwise denied even if offered.
We can only hope that the enquiry will explain the failure and that appropriate steps will be taken. Social workers have been quick to blame overwork and bureaucracy that prevents in depth meetings with clients. Senior officials have defended themselves with statements such as "doing everything by the book". Those within the system must feel threatened as public concern has been expressed so strongly.
Possibly fear of litigation or the political fallout may also contribute to the apparent clamour of "It wasn't my fault!"
But this current denial of responsibility is so typical of one of our societal problems today: the inability to say "sorry, it was my fault". Tragically, some of the hurting people I find myself counselling would be able to move on with their life if only there was a greater readiness on the part of the abusers to say sorry. The truth and justice experience in South Africa provides an encouraging model. Acceptance of responsibility enables the blessings of forgiveness that are otherwise denied even if offered.
Thursday 13 November 2008
Science and Faith
I've just been watching two fascinating DVDs that I bought from Evangelical Films. Both are science based and very well made. They are well presented and well reasoned and do not include the usual creationist polemic that tends to offend non-Christians.
I am delighted to commend both. They are The Privileges Planet and Unlocking the Mystery of Life. Both last about an hour and would be great for helping Christians who need to know that faith and good science are not in conflict. They can also be used with non-Christians in my opinion.
If you have seen either of these please leave a comment.
I am delighted to commend both. They are The Privileges Planet and Unlocking the Mystery of Life. Both last about an hour and would be great for helping Christians who need to know that faith and good science are not in conflict. They can also be used with non-Christians in my opinion.
If you have seen either of these please leave a comment.
Tuesday 11 November 2008
Now that's Church!
I was invited to speak at a small celebration event in Essex recently. It was organised by rural folk for people primarily from rural churches and people from about 5 or 6 churches were present. I had been asked to say something to encourage and inspire them in rural mission. It was to be be Bible based.
Anyone reading this blog who is not familiar with rural churches might not realise that they are often small congregations seeking to witness to their local communities but often feeling that they are burdened with maintaining ancient buildings and ecclesiastical structures. Often there is a sense of just surviving!
The celebration started at 4.00pm on a Sunday. Worship was led with a guitar and a keyboard and the songs were contemporary. These were interspersed with extempore praise and prayer. One of the local church leaders felt moved to give an exhortation within this time as well. Then I spoke and prayed. We sang one more song and then had the opportunity to enjoy informal fellowship while eating a two course meal (Shepherds Pie or Potato Cheese Bake with beans or peas) which we ate standing up. This was followed by cheese cakes or gateaux, tea or coffee.
As I drove away afterward I felt that I had just experienced church as God intends it to be. In the space of two hours we had worshipped, prayed, listened to God's word, and shared a fellowship meal together. It was good company and felt just the kind of event Jesus would have been at home at. Actually, I think he was!
Anyone reading this blog who is not familiar with rural churches might not realise that they are often small congregations seeking to witness to their local communities but often feeling that they are burdened with maintaining ancient buildings and ecclesiastical structures. Often there is a sense of just surviving!
The celebration started at 4.00pm on a Sunday. Worship was led with a guitar and a keyboard and the songs were contemporary. These were interspersed with extempore praise and prayer. One of the local church leaders felt moved to give an exhortation within this time as well. Then I spoke and prayed. We sang one more song and then had the opportunity to enjoy informal fellowship while eating a two course meal (Shepherds Pie or Potato Cheese Bake with beans or peas) which we ate standing up. This was followed by cheese cakes or gateaux, tea or coffee.
As I drove away afterward I felt that I had just experienced church as God intends it to be. In the space of two hours we had worshipped, prayed, listened to God's word, and shared a fellowship meal together. It was good company and felt just the kind of event Jesus would have been at home at. Actually, I think he was!
Friday 7 November 2008
Change is here to stay?
The Obama campaign used the need for change as its main appeal. It was therefore a little ironic to hear a Republican commentator stating that as he looked around the Republican's final gathering that night he could not help noticing that the average age was high and that he could not see one black face. "If we are to survive," he said, "We will have to change".
That has so many echoes for UK inherited churches in rural areas. The appeal (in as much as it does actually appeal to anyone) is usually to an older white person. Of course, minority ethnic groups are not to be found in great numbers in rural areas, but the mono-culture nature of so many of our churches and high average age should cause concern. Added to that, the average size is small, many have been seriously declining, and the cost of maintaining buildings and ministry is now a heavy burden. But is there readiness to change?
Someone once said that the only people group that always welcomes change is wet babies! That might be funny but it expresses an important aspect regarding change: it is far easier for change to happen once the status quo has become uncomfortable. My fear is that rather like lobsters in a slowly warming pot of hot water, we are already soporific and fail to be awakened to the need for change.
Do add your comments.
That has so many echoes for UK inherited churches in rural areas. The appeal (in as much as it does actually appeal to anyone) is usually to an older white person. Of course, minority ethnic groups are not to be found in great numbers in rural areas, but the mono-culture nature of so many of our churches and high average age should cause concern. Added to that, the average size is small, many have been seriously declining, and the cost of maintaining buildings and ministry is now a heavy burden. But is there readiness to change?
Someone once said that the only people group that always welcomes change is wet babies! That might be funny but it expresses an important aspect regarding change: it is far easier for change to happen once the status quo has become uncomfortable. My fear is that rather like lobsters in a slowly warming pot of hot water, we are already soporific and fail to be awakened to the need for change.
Do add your comments.
Sunday 2 November 2008
Taking Risks - Steps of Faith (part 2)
In yesterday's post on this blog I referred to risks for Formula1 racing driver Lewis Hamilton and the England cricket team. Now, after both events it is interesting to reflect on these. Did you see how narrowly Lewis Hamilton become the champion. In the final seconds he passed Glock and robbed Massa of a double victory. And it all hinged on how hard it was raining, what tyres were on the cars and when they were put on them. It was all very risky - a matter of chance.
I smiled at the comment from the captain of the England team who blamed their losing upon being distracted by matters relating to the one million dollars prize money for each member of the winning team. "We should have just focused on the game", he said. Well that's the risk you take when you pursue the wrong prize!
I think that the apostle Paul got it right when he said that there was only one prize worth striving for. The strange thing is that this prize - which is the greatest treasure anyone can receive, and which lasts for ever - doesn't come from taking risks, but simply by taking a step of faith. All we have to do is to recognise that before a holy God our very best efforts leave us coming up short, so we take hold of his offer of mercy and forgiveness and invite Jesus Christ into our lives.
What do you think?
I smiled at the comment from the captain of the England team who blamed their losing upon being distracted by matters relating to the one million dollars prize money for each member of the winning team. "We should have just focused on the game", he said. Well that's the risk you take when you pursue the wrong prize!
I think that the apostle Paul got it right when he said that there was only one prize worth striving for. The strange thing is that this prize - which is the greatest treasure anyone can receive, and which lasts for ever - doesn't come from taking risks, but simply by taking a step of faith. All we have to do is to recognise that before a holy God our very best efforts leave us coming up short, so we take hold of his offer of mercy and forgiveness and invite Jesus Christ into our lives.
What do you think?
Saturday 1 November 2008
Taking Risks - Steps of Faith
Over the last few years the Charity Commission in England and Wales has emphasised the importance for charity trustees to carry out a proper risk assessment for their organisations. This is to ensure good governance and preparedness for possible difficulties. We also live at a time when Health and Safety Regulations also encourage awareness of risks in the workplace, and even on such activities as holidays for young people.
Today, Lewis Hamilton was involved in time trials for position on the starting grid for the F1 race at Sao Paulo. He must finish within the first five in the subsequent race if he is to win the championship but this is a highly competitive race and he will have to balance any desire to win the race against gaining the championship. One corner taken too fast or one badly timed move to overtake any of the cars that are starting in the three places ahead could prove very costly. It's all about risk management.
Then there's the Twenty20 cricket match in the Caribbean where, in the hope of winning one million pounds risks are being taken with historic test cricket. Not to mention the risks involved in the match when the prize of one million pounds for each member of the winning team is put at risk with every ball bowled or fielded, and every stroke of the bat.
Some might say that taking steps of faith is also risky. After all walking is about losing your balance if you are ever to take a forward step. For many Christians during the last 24 hours their very survival would be a matter of taking a step of faith. The only difference between taking steps of faith and running risks is that, for a Christian, faith is based upon the character and promise of God, whereas risks depend upon human skill and chance.
I guess that most of us take some risk almost every day. You would think that since , by contrast, taking steps of faith based on God's Word is utterly reliable, more people would be willing to do that.
Today, Lewis Hamilton was involved in time trials for position on the starting grid for the F1 race at Sao Paulo. He must finish within the first five in the subsequent race if he is to win the championship but this is a highly competitive race and he will have to balance any desire to win the race against gaining the championship. One corner taken too fast or one badly timed move to overtake any of the cars that are starting in the three places ahead could prove very costly. It's all about risk management.
Then there's the Twenty20 cricket match in the Caribbean where, in the hope of winning one million pounds risks are being taken with historic test cricket. Not to mention the risks involved in the match when the prize of one million pounds for each member of the winning team is put at risk with every ball bowled or fielded, and every stroke of the bat.
Some might say that taking steps of faith is also risky. After all walking is about losing your balance if you are ever to take a forward step. For many Christians during the last 24 hours their very survival would be a matter of taking a step of faith. The only difference between taking steps of faith and running risks is that, for a Christian, faith is based upon the character and promise of God, whereas risks depend upon human skill and chance.
I guess that most of us take some risk almost every day. You would think that since , by contrast, taking steps of faith based on God's Word is utterly reliable, more people would be willing to do that.
Thursday 30 October 2008
Who's that speaking?
I heard an interesting story on Radio4 today that made me smile. It was actually the funniest thing I have heard in the last 24 hours. Here in the UK we have had a lot of news about two entertainers whose conduct on air has been far from funny. So something to make me smile was a pleasant change!
Apparantly a well known American ventriloquist called Paul Winchell (born in 1922) was offered an opportunity on prime time TV in the USA in the 1950s. However when they tried things out for a test the sound engineer reported a problem. Apparantly the sound on Paul's normal voice was coming through perfectly but there were problems when he made the dummy speak. Was it some kind of problem with microphone technology back in the 50s?
What it turned out to be was that each time it was supposed to be the ventriloquists dummy that was talking the sound engineer moved the directional microphone boom so that it pointed to the dummy's mouth because it was the dummy's lips that were moving! Unbelievable!
It made me think about a time when God called young Samuel in the night. Three times Samuel got up and went to Eli, convinced that it had to be Eli's voice he was hearing. After all that was what he would naturally expect. The fourth time he heard his name called he followed Eli's advice and engaged in coversation with God. Of course Samuel's mistake was understandable as he had no experience of hearing God speak to him before. It was an easier mistake than the sound engineer's!
But it makes me wonder how well might we realise it when God is speaking to us. The sound may appear to be coming from somewhere or someone else, but could it be that God is speaking to me and I fail to recognise it. Or maybe, like the sound engineer, we are failing to get the message simply because we are looking in the wrong place?
Apparantly a well known American ventriloquist called Paul Winchell (born in 1922) was offered an opportunity on prime time TV in the USA in the 1950s. However when they tried things out for a test the sound engineer reported a problem. Apparantly the sound on Paul's normal voice was coming through perfectly but there were problems when he made the dummy speak. Was it some kind of problem with microphone technology back in the 50s?
What it turned out to be was that each time it was supposed to be the ventriloquists dummy that was talking the sound engineer moved the directional microphone boom so that it pointed to the dummy's mouth because it was the dummy's lips that were moving! Unbelievable!
It made me think about a time when God called young Samuel in the night. Three times Samuel got up and went to Eli, convinced that it had to be Eli's voice he was hearing. After all that was what he would naturally expect. The fourth time he heard his name called he followed Eli's advice and engaged in coversation with God. Of course Samuel's mistake was understandable as he had no experience of hearing God speak to him before. It was an easier mistake than the sound engineer's!
But it makes me wonder how well might we realise it when God is speaking to us. The sound may appear to be coming from somewhere or someone else, but could it be that God is speaking to me and I fail to recognise it. Or maybe, like the sound engineer, we are failing to get the message simply because we are looking in the wrong place?
Wednesday 29 October 2008
The Bible as a Jigsaw
As you may know there are 66 books that make up the Bible. These were probably written by around 40 different people at different times over a period of 1500 years. But together they make up one big picture or meta narrative. Each of these books plays a part in making up the big picture in much the same way that individual pieces of a jigsaw puzzle enables the big picture to be seen.
Over the years in which I have been teaching from the scriptures I have delighted in looking at complete books and drawing out their main theme or themes so that we can see just why each book is in the Bible. This is much the same as identifying the corner pieces, borders, or key sections of a jigsaw puzzle. But I have never done this systematically working through from Genesis to Revelation.
That's why I am enjoying a series that I am running at Yelvertoft Congregational Church just now. We started a few weeks ago with Genesis and tommorrow I am dealing with Judges. What has been great is to see the way in which those attending (even mature Christians) are gaining a fresh appreciation of this most marvelous and important of books. It is also good to see Christians appreciating the Hebrew scriptures - so often neglected in favour of the New Testament.
Yet Jesus said these books testify of him, and on the road to Emmaus he went right back into the books of Moses as well as the prophets to help two disciples understand "the big picture". As Christians we have a special place of honour for Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. But it is the Hebrew scriptures that enable us to understand exactly who he is. That's why every one of the 66 books in the library is important.
If anyone is interested in the notes I could post them here. They are only simple outline explanations.
Over the years in which I have been teaching from the scriptures I have delighted in looking at complete books and drawing out their main theme or themes so that we can see just why each book is in the Bible. This is much the same as identifying the corner pieces, borders, or key sections of a jigsaw puzzle. But I have never done this systematically working through from Genesis to Revelation.
That's why I am enjoying a series that I am running at Yelvertoft Congregational Church just now. We started a few weeks ago with Genesis and tommorrow I am dealing with Judges. What has been great is to see the way in which those attending (even mature Christians) are gaining a fresh appreciation of this most marvelous and important of books. It is also good to see Christians appreciating the Hebrew scriptures - so often neglected in favour of the New Testament.
Yet Jesus said these books testify of him, and on the road to Emmaus he went right back into the books of Moses as well as the prophets to help two disciples understand "the big picture". As Christians we have a special place of honour for Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. But it is the Hebrew scriptures that enable us to understand exactly who he is. That's why every one of the 66 books in the library is important.
If anyone is interested in the notes I could post them here. They are only simple outline explanations.
Blogging in a busy life!
Despite being an IT enthusiast almost from the time that computers became personal there are some IT aspects that I have been slow to engage with. I have promoted the use of IT with all the various Christian organisations and churches with which i have worked, and make use of it in almost every working day.
However over the last two weeks I boldly stepped into the world of Facebook and have a growing network of friends - some Christians and some not. And this is my first ever blog!
To be honest my life is very full and I have feared that I might not keep the blog going. But each day there are usually either interesting things that happen or the occasional original thought!
So here goes - please watch this space!
However over the last two weeks I boldly stepped into the world of Facebook and have a growing network of friends - some Christians and some not. And this is my first ever blog!
To be honest my life is very full and I have feared that I might not keep the blog going. But each day there are usually either interesting things that happen or the occasional original thought!
So here goes - please watch this space!
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